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> I got a chance to check
out powered speakers somewhat and I don’t think the Mackie SRM150’s that
you were inquiring about would be adequate for you, Ted.
Agreed, given what I know of the low
end and rumble that Ted can produce, similar to me. If I were Ted, I would go
with a 12 inch powered speaker, not a 10 inch.
> I’d check out the RCF speakers
that are the same size as the SRM350’s, but have better low frequency response
and are lighter weight. The SRM150’s seam like great monitors for a singer song
writer , but not much more. The RCF’s are made in
Ted and I have been exchanging
emails on this. I compared the specs between the RCF, Mackie, and JBL powered 10
inch speakers. You are right, the RCF do claim to reach a lower frequency in
their frequency range, 50Hz - 20KHz (though they incorrectly label that
spec as a frequency response, without a plus or minus figure...not sure what
they are trying to pull there, but is is misleading and suspicious). The
JBL range is 65 Hz - 18 kHz. And Mackie's is 61
Hz - 22 kHz), going higher than RCF...so one speaker may suite
different needs....though spicing hairs a bit.
The see that the total wattage (low
plus high) of the RCFs are much higher than JBL and Mackie. That may
generate the feel of more power and punch, but no necessarily quality of the
frequency response. And of course, thd cross-over frequency for each speaker is
different, so that has to be factored into the the performers's personal needs
and taste. RCF is 350 w total,
300w low frequency and 50w high frequency. Mackie is 195w total, 165 low and 30w
high. JBL is 175 total, 125w low and 50w high.
I guess considering wattage and frequency range, plus weight, the RCF
look like the best bet for a 10" cab. This all may change when we get into
the 12" cabs.
One interesting spec is the
cross-over frequencies for each, Mackie (2.4Khz), JBL (2.7 kHz), and RCF (1.8
kHz). But I guess this makes sense, given how much wattage RCF has allocated to
their low end driver.
I have never had a chance to hear a
A/B/C, blind comparison of the three speakers, withing knowing which manufacture
I was hearing at any time. That would be the ultimate test for me. Several years
ago, I did this with my small home stereo system...I listed to 5-6 different
small home stereo speakers, not knowing the manufacturer, but going with my
personal taste. The most expensive speakers didn't sound the best to me, and
so-called superior specs (bettter frequency ranges, etc), didn't make a
difference either. It is all so subjective. (reminds me of some blind wine
tasting contests in Seattle several years ago, where a $8 bottle of wine
continuously beat very expensive wines in a blind test). Brand is
powerful, as is a priori pre-conceptions.
Ted - have you done such a test? I
highly recommend it. I would have someone set it up so that you can't tell which
manufactuers are producing your sound. I would be VERY interested in the
results.
Kris
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